Influencer of the Week: Rob Bixler, Orange County Public Schools

As much of the nation has switched from traditional to digital learning in the last two weeks because of the coronavirus, there have been many changes for students, faculty and families alike. At Orange County Public Schools, Rob Bixler serves as the associate superintendent for curriculum and digital learning. Preparing the district to go digital was a large undertaking, but Bixler and his team have been pivotal in the transition to digital learning. 

What do you love most about your job?

It has always been about seeing the creativity of our students and teachers. We have the best talent in Orange County Public Schools. 

How has your role played a part in the shift in school format we have seen the last few weeks?

My department has played a central role in the transition to distance learning over the last few weeks. The department, Curriculum and Digital Learning, has been a part of the district’s LaunchED 1:1 program since the beginning, so when the announcement was made, the team began scaling up training for our teachers and staff. For the week of March 23, the department provided 275 trainings with a little more than 13,000 participants. 

What is the nicest thing a student, colleague or faculty member has done for you?

It is always nice getting updates from former students or teachers and what they are doing now. 

Why did you decide to work at OCPS?

I wanted to be a history teacher as a teenager, so being a product of OCPS — Lake Weston and Riverside elementary schools, Lockhart Middle and Edgewater High — it seemed like a natural place to work. Nearly 30 years later, it is a great place to work.  

What are your hobbies outside of your role?

I don’t have an actual hobby, but I enjoy being outdoors, and the beach is my favorite place to be.  

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

My favorite superhero is Iron Man. Being that smart is a pretty cool superpower, and he has some impressive technology in that suit.  

Do you have a quote, piece of advice, song lyric or favorite mantra to live by? 

Due to the current situation we are in and when we made the difficult but necessary decision toward distance learning and social distancing, I shared this (Henry Ward Beecher) quote with my team: “Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith.” I told them I choose faith.  

What is the coolest place you’ve traveled to and why?

My favorite trip, as a child, was to Washington, D.C. I have been back several times over the years and enjoy it just as much as I did all those years ago. The museums are amazing. 

If you could have dinner with one famous person, who would it be and why?

Abraham Lincoln. I would want to ask how he managed to stay focused, confident and remained dedicated to the vision of a united nation in a time of major crisis and upheaval.